What is the difference between gel polish and shellac? What is better to choose: gel polish or shellac?

What is the difference between gel polish and shellac?

Based on the concept of these means discussed above, it becomes clear that the difference lies only in the name. Shellac is a gel polish of a specific brand.

Every company is interested in the individuality of its product. Therefore, despite the same functionality, products made by different manufacturers have certain differences:

• Price. The gradation of this indicator is significant. For example, CND evaluates its products to the highest standards. A similar product produced by Gelish can be purchased at 2 times cheaper. By purchasing Bluesky, Kodi gel polish, you can save three to four times your budget.
• Container capacity. Individual for each company - 5 ml - 15 ml.
• Basic equipment. To work with shellac, several additional tools are required. This set of products is unique for a particular brand.
• Durability of the coating. Little distinguishable factor. Since all coatings perfectly retain their appearance and integrity for two to three weeks:

1. Two weeks – CND and Kodi
2. Three weeks – Bluesky and Gelish

It is this feature that makes shellac and gel polish especially in demand.

• Application and removal technique. Each company has its own distinctive ways.
• Variety of colors. The difference in this position is expressed in the assortment of the palette. CND offers 61 shades, and Gelish – 90. Gelerations – 60 shades. Other brands produce from 20 to 30 colors.
• There are many more technical differences that are of interest only to professionals. For the average user they have no meaning.

Differences

What is gel nail polish

Professional gel polish is a plastic substance, a gel, which is applied to the nail plate in the form of regular varnish, but it should be dried through an ultraviolet or LED lamp.
An ultraviolet lamp is needed for the varnish to polymerize and harden.

Before applying gel polish, treat the nail with a cosmetic primer that ensures interaction between the plate and the gel.

Gel polish allows your manicure to stay intact for up to 4-5 weeks. During this time, the structure of the substance is preserved.

In this case, the coating does not need updates or corrections during this time.

The use of gel polish is important if the nails are brittle and do not grow well. Gel varnish, which hardens on a natural plate, preserves it, preventing it from breaking. The gel polish is removed using a special liquid, the first layer of varnish is filed off, then it is carefully removed.

What is shellac

Shellac contains the functions of a gel coating and a varnish.
But in this case, the native nail is not subjected to the application of a primer; it is replaced with a dehydrator or degreaser. The plate is not polished or damaged.

A manicure can remain intact for up to one month if proper attention is paid to the degreaser. Special mixtures for removing the coating are not required; nail polish remover with a limited amount of acetone will do. The top layer is not removed. It is necessary to dip a cotton pad in nail polish remover, apply it to the nail and hold for several minutes.

This gentle product costs an order of magnitude more than gel polish. Shellac is applied to dry, colorless nails to add shine. The application process generally takes 30-50 minutes, the nails are dried in an ultraviolet lamp.

The positive aspects of shellac

• Virtually no mechanical damage. Regular manicure products will not remove polish.
• The original nail is safe. Does not cause an allergic reaction and does not deplete the plate.
• No correction is required for about a month.
• The product does not have a strong aroma.
• Can be used by pregnant women. The substance does not contain harmful components. Due to hormonal changes in the body, the effect of the varnish may be limited and it will disintegrate within 2 weeks.
• The nail plate is strengthened and the desired nail size is achieved.
• shades - from black to red.

In detail: what is shellac for nails, reviews in this article.

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Cons of shellac

Like any cosmetic product, shellac has its downsides:

• Application time is about half an hour, compared to regular varnish, this is expensive.
• The cost of shellac is almost the same as gel polish, but correction must be done more often, which is not economical. Shellac costs from 400-1000 rubles, and a nail coating service costs from 500-800 rubles.
• Temperature changes can damage the structure of the varnish. Under the influence of chemicals, the nail can crack and allow fungus to appear.
• If the nail is damaged, then after being under the varnish the situation can only get worse.

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Positive aspects of gel polish for manicure

• Extensive color range. Colors and shades are combined, mixed, and new styles are created.
• Manicure looks more natural, unobtrusive.
• A manicure kit for beginners is the ideal solution.
• Resistant to damage. Does not peel off and withstands impacts.
• Because the nail is safe under the covering, it can develop and grow quickly.
• If there are flaws in the plate, it is not sufficiently developed compared to others, then layers of gel polish correct the small flaw.
• During nail treatment, the product does not emit aromas.
• The substance does not contain allergens
• The nail plate breathes, as the gel polish allows air to pass through. The plate is strengthened and not so brittle.

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Negative sides of gel polish

• Applying gel polish to your nails yourself is difficult, as there is a possibility of damaging the nail structure. It is recommended to consult a doctor who will do a quality manicure.
• In the first few days, you need to be careful about temperature changes to prevent the coating from cracking.
• Once a year, nails need to be given a rest so that the nails do not become depleted under the constant influence of gel polish.
• Counterfeit gel polishes may cause allergic reactions or may not take root on the nails.
• The cost of gel polish and the services of a specialist is high. In the salon, the service costs from 1000 rubles. The cost of the gel is from 500-1500 rubles.

In the video, what is the difference between gel polish and shellac?

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What is better to choose: gel polish or shellac?

Assortment of varnishes
Since there is no difference between the concepts under consideration, you need to choose taking into account the characteristics of the product of a particular brand and personal preferences.

When choosing this method of applying varnish, consider:

• Failure to follow the basic rules for applying or removing the coating leads to damage to the nail. Therefore, choose a qualified specialist
• Sudden temperature changes lead to delamination of the hardened gel polish. This is fraught with infection and nail disease.

What is shellac?

Shellac is one of the very first coatings that combined the advantages of varnishes and gels. The innovative composition of the first hybrid material was developed by the CND company, giving it the name Shellac when filing a patent. Under this name, gel polish from the CND company gained worldwide fame and became the basis of an ongoing dispute: gel polish and shellac - what is the difference?

And it would seem that there is no difference, since both coatings are essentially the same. However, in salons and when implementing nail design ideas, these concepts do not mix. Why?

Differences

The difference between these products is really noticeable in many respects, which is why gel polish and shellac are perceived by many as different materials.

The differences between gel polish and shellac are as follows:

• composition - different proportions of basic substances, shellac contains more varnish than gel, and gel contains varnish on the contrary;
• consistency – gel polish is thicker;
• structure, due to which shellac is applied without a primer;
• application rules;

  
  Manicure with Shellakc gel polish

• color spectrum;
• polymerization time;
• duration of the withdrawal process;
• price – real shellac is a very expensive brand product.

Differences in composition

The concentration of varnish in shellac is another element that distinguishes gel polish from shellac. Shellac contains more varnish , making its application reminiscent of regular varnish. It is also sometimes called varnish-gel, putting the word “varnish” first.

The inclusion of gel in its composition allows this coating to remain on the nails for up to three to four weeks. And gel polish contains more gel , which prolongs the duration of its polymerization.

A more detailed composition of the funds is usually a company secret and is not disclosed. Thanks to this, Shellak CND is a coating that is unique in its composition.

Difference in application method

When analyzing how gel polish differs from shellac, you should definitely note the method of application. After all, shellac is the only gel polish that does not require prior application of a primer. A primer is a special liquid chemical that is applied immediately after processing and filing the nails and ensures their better adhesion to the gel polish.

Primer application

In addition, applying shellac does not require preliminary grinding of the nail plate to ensure better adhesion to the coating. All this allows you to avoid thinning or injuring the nail. Thanks to this, the coating application procedure is significantly simplified and time-saving.

The procedure for applying gel polish to nails should be carried out by an experienced manicurist.

After all, there is a risk of damage during grinding.

The first layer of gel polish gives a transparent effect to the nail plate. Applying subsequent layers strengthens the coating and creates a color composition.

Differences in polymerization time

Shellac, due to its greater similarity to regular varnish, polymerizes faster under the influence of UV light.

The exact polymerization time depends on many factors: layers of application of the composition, light saturation of the coating and decoration agent, as well as the use of a lamp for polymerization. In an ultraviolet lamp, the polymerization time of the layer is 2 minutes, and in an LED device it is 1 minute.

Difference in the duration of saving the result

Shellac lasts a little less than gel polish. But, despite its durability, gel polish is more susceptible to aggressive environments. Shellak CND also has a fairly durable coating. Shellac from other companies lasts for at least two weeks.

Over time, a stripe appears on the nail, and the manicure stops looking fresh.

But you need to take into account that as the nail grows over time, a thin strip forms near the cuticle . And a longer period of using the coating on the nail plate can give the nail an unaesthetic and untidy appearance. Therefore, it is advisable to change any of these manicures at least once every three weeks.

Other differences

When applying shellac, there is no need to file off the top layer of nails, which makes it more gentle. Another difference between shellac and gel polish is its quick removal.

Since shellac is more similar in composition to regular varnish, it dissolves faster under the influence of means that ensure its removal, especially those containing acetone.

Removal procedure

These coatings also differ in the procedure for removing them from the nail plate.

Shellac removes much faster without pre-sanding

And the gel polish must be ground down or filed off a little before removal. To remove shellac, the Shellakc CND kit includes special cotton nail wraps that allow you to remove it carefully. The set includes special orange sticks that allow you to easily remove any remaining coating.

Color spectrum

These materials also differ in their color range. The color palette of gel polishes is wider and the choice of colors is much richer . But shellacs have more saturated tones. Thermo shellac can change color depending on temperature.

The color scheme of the manicure determines the image

Price

There are also differences in price. Shellac is a little more expensive than gel polish. The most expensive is the branded Shellak CND, since this set includes all the auxiliary products. Currently, it is not the branded Shellak CND that is found, but similar products from other companies, which can be purchased much cheaper.

Adjustment

With gel polish coating, you can make corrections, extending the duration of use. Typically, the length of the nails is given by a gel product, and shellac serves primarily as a coating. Its adjustment is not done, and the shellac needs to be completely replaced.

Consistency

Gel varnishes have a thicker, denser consistency, as they are produced primarily on a gel basis. Shellac has a more liquid consistency, although it also contains gel, but in smaller quantities.

Read an interesting article: Methods for removing shellac. How manicurists remove shellac

Duration of wearing

Gel polish lasts up to 3 weeks. It reacts more strongly to exposure to detergents or chemicals.

Shellac shows phenomenal durability. It stays firmly on the plate for more than 3 weeks, but only with proper care. For some, this varnish can retain its attractive appearance for up to 28 days. With a manicure, you can freely do any housework, go to the beach and swim. But if the nails are affected by fungus or low-quality materials were used, the coating will not last long.

So which is better?

Cosmetologists work more substantively, competently and skillfully to answer the question of how shellac differs from gel polish. They continue to improve their skills in practical work with these materials, conduct research, and generalize the results.

Without waiting for the results of these professional studies, based on personal impressions, the experience of friends and acquaintances, an increasing number of ladies try and use modern cosmetic products, preferring their use in nail care.

What to choose

Both products are good to a certain extent, so the choice depends entirely on the girl. In this case, individual characteristics (sensitivity of the body, condition of nails, etc.) should be taken into account. To understand whether gel or shellac is better, you should familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of each product.

How to do a manicure with gel polish

Review of advantages and disadvantages

Another important feature that distinguishes the products is the influence of temperatures. When the indicators change, the gel polish coating becomes riddled with microcracks, which can cause it to flake and chip. There are no such flaws with shellac.

If we take into account the information from the table above, then the innovative composition has more advantages and almost no disadvantages. But many girls choose gel polish because of its budget. Although there is a small nuance here: the cheaper the products, the worse the quality.

Note! If you want to save your family budget, it is recommended to choose a well-known brand. This will at least ensure that the product meets the required requirements.

Risks of wearing gel polish and shellac

Such a universal coating, regardless of its name, has its drawbacks. Although the most pronounced benefit is the beauty of nails for a long time, by doing such a manicure, there is a risk of ruining the condition of the nails and after that it will take a long time to restore them.

Condition of nails when a course of restoration is needed

What signs of changes in the nail plate should alert you:

1. The nails became dull, roughness, bumps, and stripes appeared on them.
2. The color of the nail plate has become yellowish or gray.
3. Delaminations have appeared on the protruding area of ​​the nails, the periungual skin has many hangnails and roughness.

In this case, therapeutic procedures are necessary. A fungal disease of the nails can cause similar symptoms. This will happen for one reason - if the master ignores disinfection of manicure accessories.

Disinfection of accessories

Depending on the composition of the varnishes, toxic substances can cause harm to the body. What harm exactly? Allergies that arise due to the accumulation of toxins, as well as general poisoning of the body. But the industry for the production of manicure coatings does not stand still, and, for sure, something will soon appear that will do absolutely no harm.

Advantages and disadvantages of gel polish

Gel nail polish is a mixture of regular polish and gel used for extensions. Some time ago, women, in order for their manicure to last a long time, extended their nails and covered it with standard varnish.

The nail extension procedure allowed my favorite shades of varnish to last quite a long time. Gel polish was created specifically for those girls who were wary of extensions and did not find time for lengthy procedures in a beauty salon.

This finish creates an even, long-lasting finish and is suitable for those who prefer a natural style. Gel polish, unlike standard polish lasts longer , and this is its advantage, but it is not the only one. The advantages of gel polish include:

• Easy application using a soft classic brush;
• Quick drying under UV lamp rays;
• Maintaining the original shine throughout the entire period;
• Natural looking nails;
• Low cost.

The disadvantages of gel polish include:

• Preliminary filing of the nail plate;
• Long procedure for removing varnish. First, the top layer of the gel is destroyed, and only then is a product used to remove the varnish itself;
• Some types of nails do not accept this product.

Gel polish also has contraindications, which include weak or thin nails, allergies to the components of the gel. After applying the gel, your nails should be given a rest. And, besides, the longer the coating remains on the nails, the longer it takes to remove it. Therefore, it is recommended to remove the gel two weeks after application.

To increase the durability of gel polish, you must follow several rules.

Do not
trim the edges of the nails , avoid getting water on the nails on the day of application, use a liquid without acetone to remove nail polish, and file off the edges of the nail plates.
If the gel is applied correctly, the coating will last more than three weeks.

But no matter what they say, gel polish is an excellent modern tool that makes life more comfortable, saves time, and allows your nails to be beautiful and well-groomed.